cells release calcitonin basally into the CT. Calcitonin is then picked up by fenestrated capillaries and enters blood stream to be taken to distant sites

What is calcitonin?

Calcitonin is a peptide hormone that inhibits the release of calcium ions from bone by decreasing osteoclast activity and decreasing calcium absorption in the intestinal epithelium. It effectively lowers plasma Ca levels

Describe the structure/development of the parathyroid glands.

4 glands

endodermally derived

buried in the posterior aspect of the thyroid gland, but histologically and functionally distinct from it